2017 INFINITI QX70

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), White/blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Metallic knocking from bottom end, Loss of compression on multiple cylinders, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes

Fix: Nissan's iron liners separate from the aluminum block causing catastrophic wear. Only real fix is complete engine replacement or full rebuild with aftermarket sleeves. 25-35 hours labor for replacement, 40+ for proper rebuild with re-sleeving.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Milky or strawberry-colored transmission fluid, Overheating transmission, Coolant mixing into ATF creating mayonnaise-like substance, Complete transmission failure if not caught early

Fix: Factory cooler inside the radiator corrodes and allows coolant/ATF cross-contamination. Requires radiator replacement, external trans cooler install, full transmission flush (often multiple times), and sometimes full transmission rebuild if contamination sat too long. 6-8 hours for cooler/flush, add 18-25 hours if trans is damaged.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 (preventive) or $4,500-7,000 (with trans rebuild)

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, Visible sagging of transmission tail, Harsh gear engagement

Fix: Rubber transmission mount deteriorates and allows excessive drivetrain movement. Requires lift access and support of transmission. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 120,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling on cold start that fades after 10-15 seconds, Metallic ticking from front of engine, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, Rough idle or misfires if severely worn

Fix: Primary and secondary timing chain guides wear, especially if oil changes were extended. Requires front cover removal, both timing chains, guides, tensioners, and all related gaskets. 12-16 hours labor. Catch it early before chains jump.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting especially when hot, Hesitation or stumbling under acceleration, Intermittent stalling, Fuel pressure fluctuations, Check engine light with lean codes or fuel trim issues

Fix: In-tank high-pressure fuel pump strainer clogs or pump itself weakens. Requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. Infiniti doesn't sell filter separately—whole module needed. 3-4 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Intermittent no-start with no crank, Fuel pump not priming, Random electrical accessories cutting out, Multiple warning lights with no stored codes, Starter relay clicking but no engagement

Fix: Internal relay failures in the engine bay fuse/relay box. Module is $600-900 from dealer and requires programming. 1.5-2 hours labor for replacement and initialization.

Estimated cost: $900-1,300